The clock in the town square in Prague.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Oh where, oh where...
... has my little bird gone?
oh where, oh where can she be?
I am back in lovely Burghfield Common staying with Nick & Penny before heading off to my next destination (Exeter for a day then South Africa).
I got back to the UK over a week ago, from the US, just in time for my leaving drinks with work friends and the Foo Fighters concert. I was in town only long enough to switch suitcases, get a bit drunk and head off to Berlin the following Monday. So, needless to say, during my unemployment I've been running a bit.
Last week I surrounded myself with Cold War history in lovely Berlin. I really put my feet to the pavement and saw as much as I absolutely could while I was there. After a nice long lie in on Tuesday morning, I went to the Brandenberg Tor (Gate), the Holocaust Memorial, Unter den Linden, Potsdamer Platz, the Topography of Terror and Checkpoint Charlie. It was a full (and somewhat depressing day) of walking, reading and freezing. I am totally impressed by any city that can thrive under the shadow of recent communist reign. While I loved seeing the WWII sites of the city, I think my favorite was Checkpoint Charlie and the Bauer (wall) Museum. Reading the accounts of people who had escaped or helped people across the wall was fascinating. Some of the pictures, videos and newsreels were in color! I never thought such world history could be so contemporary. I am amazed at the reality people were living with 18 years ago.
My second and third days in Berlin really consisted of more sights at a much less agressive speed. I did the Jewish Museum (highly recommend), the East Side Gallery, the Berlin Dome, Pergamom Museum and loads of aimless wanderings that allowed me to only get so lost. I will post a couple pictures in a bit.
On Friday, I hopped the train for Prague. Another beautiful city rich with architecture, history and a communist undertone. The Prague Castle was breathtaking and really steals the skyline; this may be a more romantic city than Paris in my view! I loved, loved, LOVED the Charles Bridge and could have spent hours wandering from statue to statue, end to end except for all the pick pockets, tourists and struggling musicians and artists. My favorite time of day on the Bridge was twilight (roughly 4pm in the winter). The changing colors of the day was a sight to be seen. I did loads of walking in Prague. I honestly would set off for the day, map in hand, and really try to get as lost as possible. I would end up in all sorts of interesting parts of the city taking in sites the average tourist doesn't see. Again, I was impressed by the John Lennon peace wall and the Jewish cemetary. I'm not sure I will ever get back to Prague but I'm glad I've had a chance to experience the city.
As I mentioned earlier, I am back in the UK for a couple of days before my big trip South. I am doing laundry, some last minute research and packing my bags! To be honest while I am excited to continue being a tourist, I am more excited about the return to Denver. It will be good to go home after all this!
oh where, oh where can she be?
I am back in lovely Burghfield Common staying with Nick & Penny before heading off to my next destination (Exeter for a day then South Africa).
I got back to the UK over a week ago, from the US, just in time for my leaving drinks with work friends and the Foo Fighters concert. I was in town only long enough to switch suitcases, get a bit drunk and head off to Berlin the following Monday. So, needless to say, during my unemployment I've been running a bit.
Last week I surrounded myself with Cold War history in lovely Berlin. I really put my feet to the pavement and saw as much as I absolutely could while I was there. After a nice long lie in on Tuesday morning, I went to the Brandenberg Tor (Gate), the Holocaust Memorial, Unter den Linden, Potsdamer Platz, the Topography of Terror and Checkpoint Charlie. It was a full (and somewhat depressing day) of walking, reading and freezing. I am totally impressed by any city that can thrive under the shadow of recent communist reign. While I loved seeing the WWII sites of the city, I think my favorite was Checkpoint Charlie and the Bauer (wall) Museum. Reading the accounts of people who had escaped or helped people across the wall was fascinating. Some of the pictures, videos and newsreels were in color! I never thought such world history could be so contemporary. I am amazed at the reality people were living with 18 years ago.
My second and third days in Berlin really consisted of more sights at a much less agressive speed. I did the Jewish Museum (highly recommend), the East Side Gallery, the Berlin Dome, Pergamom Museum and loads of aimless wanderings that allowed me to only get so lost. I will post a couple pictures in a bit.
On Friday, I hopped the train for Prague. Another beautiful city rich with architecture, history and a communist undertone. The Prague Castle was breathtaking and really steals the skyline; this may be a more romantic city than Paris in my view! I loved, loved, LOVED the Charles Bridge and could have spent hours wandering from statue to statue, end to end except for all the pick pockets, tourists and struggling musicians and artists. My favorite time of day on the Bridge was twilight (roughly 4pm in the winter). The changing colors of the day was a sight to be seen. I did loads of walking in Prague. I honestly would set off for the day, map in hand, and really try to get as lost as possible. I would end up in all sorts of interesting parts of the city taking in sites the average tourist doesn't see. Again, I was impressed by the John Lennon peace wall and the Jewish cemetary. I'm not sure I will ever get back to Prague but I'm glad I've had a chance to experience the city.
As I mentioned earlier, I am back in the UK for a couple of days before my big trip South. I am doing laundry, some last minute research and packing my bags! To be honest while I am excited to continue being a tourist, I am more excited about the return to Denver. It will be good to go home after all this!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Back in the US.... for now
I've been in the US for the last week doing a whirlwind tour for work while also seeing my family on the weekend. I am so thankful to be back in the US (although I haven't made it to Denver yet) but have definitely had a few moments of reverse culture shock. Americans can be so loud, rude and wasteful. It is overwhelming to think that I only left a year ago and notice these things. I know I will get right back into the swing of things upon my permanent return.
I've been spending my last couple days booking flights, trains and hotels for my upcoming travels. I honestly can't wait to see Berlin, Prague and several spots in South Africa. To be completely truthful, I'm a bit scared to see the world on my own. But, this will be good for me. I'm hoping it will bring back some of my confident and courageous spirit. This whole experience has rocked my foundation and I can't wait to re-arrange the pieces.
This weekend I am back in London and off to the Foo concert at the O2 arena. It should be amazing. It's good to know people, I guess....
I've been spending my last couple days booking flights, trains and hotels for my upcoming travels. I honestly can't wait to see Berlin, Prague and several spots in South Africa. To be completely truthful, I'm a bit scared to see the world on my own. But, this will be good for me. I'm hoping it will bring back some of my confident and courageous spirit. This whole experience has rocked my foundation and I can't wait to re-arrange the pieces.
This weekend I am back in London and off to the Foo concert at the O2 arena. It should be amazing. It's good to know people, I guess....
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